The Earth’s magnetic field is a dynamic force, constantly in flux. In December 2024, a significant update to the World Magnetic Model (WMM) was released, revealing a recent acceleration in the movement of the magnetic north pole.
“The current behaviour of magnetic north is something that we have never observed before,” says global geomagnetic field modeller William Brown, from British Geological Survey.
“Magnetic north has been moving slowly around Canada since the 1500s but, in the past 20 years, it accelerated towards Siberia, increasing in speed every year until about five years ago, when it suddenly decelerated from 50 to 35 kilometers [31 to 22 miles] per year, which is the biggest deceleration in speed we’ve ever seen.”
Why the Shift?
The Earth’s magnetic field is generated by the movement of molten iron in its outer core. This dynamic process causes the magnetic field lines to shift and change over time. While the geographic north pole remains fixed, the magnetic north pole wanders, influenced by these fluctuations in the core.
Impact of the Shift
The updated WMM is crucial for accurate navigation, particularly for aircraft and satellites. It ensures that compasses and GPS systems provide reliable directions, even as the magnetic north pole continues its journey.
The Future of the Magnetic North Pole
Scientists continue to monitor the Earth’s magnetic field, seeking to understand the underlying mechanisms driving these changes. While the exact path of the magnetic north pole remains uncertain, its continued movement highlights the dynamic nature of our planet’s core and the importance of regular updates to navigational models.
